Wellbeing

ELSA

ELSA is an acronym for Emotional Literacy Support Assistant

We currently have two fully trained members of staff ; Mrs Kelly (KS2) and Mrs Harris (KS1)

ELSA information

Role of an ELSA

• To plan and deliver programmes of support for small groups or individuals.

• To help children to recognise, understand and manage emotions.
• To develop programmes of support that are matched specifically to needs.
• To share ideas with staff about how best to support pupils in school.
• To monitor the interventions to evaluate

Areas we can offer support with

• Recognising and managing feelings.
• Anger management.
• Self-esteem.
• Supporting Children through Loss and Bereavement.
• Friendship skills.
• Social Skills.

Benefits to the child

• Able to build a good relationship with staff and develop respectful relationships in school
• Feel supported, respected, listened to and a develop a sense of belonging. Understand that they are
• Learn good coping strategies and how to persevere
• Develop higher level of self esteem, understand their own unique
• Interact appropriately with others and be mindful of others feelings including how to respect
• Self-awareness and how they can be a dynamic member of our school.

Pre Loved Uniform

We regularly hold ‘pre loved’ uniform mornings/afternoons to provide parents and carers with the opportunity to obtain pre loved uniform. This is all free of charge. We communicate these dates with parents/carers via dojo and aim to provide this opportunity at a convenient time during drop off/pick up times.

We have a range of items jumpers, coats, shorts, trousers etc.

To continue to replenish our stocks, we welcome donations of good used condition uniform which can be dropped in at the office.

Out of hours support

We realise that there may be times when you are unable to reach a member of staff at school. If you do need support at home, there may be other agencies that you can contact or seek advice from.

Out of Hours Support Contact Details

Useful resources to use at home

Anxiety thermometer

Things that help me feel calm

Wider community support

Community Support

At John Wheeldon we work hard to support our community throughout the year. We feel that we have a comprehensive understanding of our community and their changing needs. The following lost gives some examples of our community support.

• At Christmas, we work with the Salvation Army and parents to support our most vulnerable families with food parcels and Christmas gifts for those most in need.  This has been hugely successful and well received within the community.
• We can support families by providing toothbrushes and toothpaste to help with dental hygiene.
• School can support families with referrals into the Household Support and with referrals into food banks.
• We run regular pre-loved uniform give aways for the children in our school (see pre loved uniform tab)
• With the support of the Local Authority many families were provided with a slow cooker free of charge.
• We can support parents with DLA support and general parenting advice.
• We share information on holiday clubs and extra curriculum actives that can be accessed at school.
• We have close links with Elmwood nursing home and regularly run reading/board games visits for our children to interact with the residents.

Wellbeing Clubs

Each lunchtime we run a ‘friendship club’ for children to attend – this is aimed at children who may find the busy playground overwhelming or who need to work on communication and social skills in a smaller, targeted group. This club includes craft, games and the chance to chat with a smaller group of friends.

We also run a lunchtime lego club and art club on an ‘invite only’ basis. Children who we feel would benefit from these small, nurture based clubs will be invited to come along.

We have cosmic yoga and mindfulness after school clubs open to all of our children over the course of the year.

Need to Talk

If you just need to talk we can help with most worries and concerns that you have – no matter how big or small you feel they are! We are able to direct you towards external agencies for further support if needed or signpost you towards possible pathways to explore further.

If you would like to speak to a member of our families team please contact the school office by calling 01785 594444 where your call will be answered and directed to the most appropriate person during school hours.

Alternatively send a dojo to the office team or an email to office@johnwheeldon.staffs.sch.uk and we will ensure a reply and follow up phone call.